C(++), OpenGL and coding demos

[z5]

i've started learning C at evening classes on PC.

So i have a couple of questions:
- how different is C on pc and C on Amiga?
- What about c++ on Amiga?

Suppose that i start learning OpenGL on pc, would that allow me to program for Mesa on OS4?

What about demos? Could i code a demo in C on Amiga (OS4)? I know that not a lot of demos are coded in C. I think that Kierownik did a couple of demos/intros in C (electricity of Appendix, Metatag for Madwizards,...) and also Venusarts did some C demos.

Assembler seems to be the preffered language to code demos but will the advantages of assembler be as big on AOne / OS4 as on the classic Amiga. With different gfx-cards, soundcards, ... will there not be a shift more towards high level languages like C?

So basically, what i'm asking: if i learn C and OpenGL on pc (which would maybe come in handy if i want to search a job in programming), would i be able to make the step to AOne/OS4 relatively easily (assuming that OS4 will apear). Wouldn't that be a better option than to start assembler for 68k?

[z5]

thanks for the replies.

Well, i'm not exaclty a newbee in programming (i learned the usual stuff like pascal, a bit of C, i have a basic grasp of Visual Basic). So i'm not really worried about learning it.

I just want to find the best combination to learn. Something that i could learn on pc (and maybe even get a job). But something that i could use to code demos (my big dream) on Amiga. I have the impression that demos on the pc are coded mostly in C++ and OpenGL or directX.

Assembler seems cool but somehow i feel taht it will take too much time and that this time would be better spend on a more widely used language (also usable on pc).

So c++ and OpenGL seem a good option.

Any good books/websites on this? (OpenGL and C++).

Seems that the NEHE tutorials are really good to start with for OpenGL .Nehe tutorials

[z5]

@psycho:

Interesting.  Are you saying that intros like The Castle (which seems so optimised for Amiga) contains C-code also?

Also, what software do you use, generally speaking, to develop an Amiga demo from start to finish. (compilers, paint, sound). Any names of tools, software? Do you write your code on pc first? And how difficult would it be to port a demo you wrote on Amiga to pc or from pc to Amiga.

What is Warp3D? And what is the link with OpenGL.

[z5]

Well, thanks for the replies.

@Allen:
Many thanks. I'll keep it in mind for sure. I think i will start with the NeHe turorials which seem to be explained quite well. I'll use Visual C++ for now i think. But one day, i hope to code for OS4/AOne (if it appears ofcourse)

If i run into troubles or have questions, i'll keep your name in mind  ;-)

[z5]

Hi Psycho, keep on posting. It's interesting. Demos are like black magic or something for mortals

I agree. For me too, coders have always been some kind of magicians. I have very high respect for democoders. It must be extremely cool to be able to create a demo (and to break records like The Castle did on 68k).

So i find it very interesting to learn a bit from what goes behind the scenes.

Do you plan OS4 demos (if it is ever released ofcourse). How many years of coder experience do you have? Do you code for profession? And how long would it take learning to code a basic demo?